Biography

Dr. Lazarova was born and raised in Bulgaria. She received her Masters of Science degree in Physics with a concentration in Meteorology from the Sofia State University (Bulgaria) in 1993. Her Master’s thesis was on the stability of the atmosphere and its relation to distribution of air pollutants. She received her PhD in physics at Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA) in 2001. Her primary research focus was on numerical modeling of air quality. Her thesis enabled the modeling community to use small scale diagnostic meteorology input in air quality models, thus achieving more accurate local scale air quality forecasts. While working at the Mid-Atlantic Division of EPA, she was instrumental in creating the DCM (Decision Consequence Model) allowing the agency to run virtual scenarios of pollution release and study the consequences of the release on the air quality. In 2002 she completed a post-doctoral appointment with the Air Quality Modeling group at the University of Houston (Houston, TX) where she helped establish the modeling capacity of the group.

Dr. Lazarova has taught a variety of students from high school to adults. Her broad teaching experience includes courses in mathematics, physics, earth science, meteorology, environmental science, and forensic science.

Dr. Lazarova began her career at Centenary as an Adjunct Mathematics Instructor in 2006. She was appointed as a full time faculty in 2009. She teaches Physics, Physical Science, Earth Science, Meteorology, and AFC courses in the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Dr. Lazarova is a co-advisor of the EVERGREEN group, a student-lead organization whose goal is to increase environmental awareness and promote sustainability on campus and in the community. She is also involved in the FIRST nation-wide initiative (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,www.USFIRST.org ) in support of STEM education in the USA.

Student Organizations

Evergreen Group
Co-advisor for the EVERGREEN Group at Centenary University

Students spread environmental awareness and work on projects to enhance campus recycling and reduce paper usage. This group is also heavily involved in the planning for the Earth Day celebration on campus each year.

Community Garden at Centenary University

Co-advisor for the Community Garden at Centenary University, part of the EVERGREEN group

The goal of this initiative is to establish and maintain a community garden on campus. This garden is creating a greater cross-curricular collaboration of the University’s academic programs (Education, Math and Natural Sciences and Social Work). This project is not only creating some great opportunities for our students but allow partnerships with local schools and organizations.